Hackel, Big Five' back Peters for Senate

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and the county’s “Big Five” officials announced today that they have endorsed U.S. Rep. Gary Peters for Senate, a full 16 months before the 2014 election.

Peters, a Bloomfield Township Democrat, is seeking the seat that will be vacated by veteran Sen. Carl Levin and he has quickly emerged as nearly a consensus choice for his party’s nomination. But the general election could prove to be a tight race if the Republican Party devotes considerable resources to Michigan. The GOP frontrunner at this point is former secretary of state Terri Lynn Land of Kent County.

In addition to Hackel, those backing Peters are county Treasurer Ted Wahby, Prosecutor Eric Smith, Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco, Clerk Carmella Sabaugh and Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. All six are Democrats.

“Gary Peters will be the independent voice that hard-working people in Macomb County and across Michigan deserve to have fighting for them in the U.S. Senate,” Hackel said in a statement. “… I know we can count on him to fight through partisanship and gridlock…”

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The endorsement statement from the Big Five said: “Gary has stood up to both parties in Washington to do the right thing for Michigan by fighting to responsibly reduce the deficit and put our middle class first. ... While Congress is often frustrating and dysfunctional, Gary has succeeded in proposing thoughtful, common-sense solutions to the tough economic challenges facing our families.”

First elected to the House in 2008, Peters, 54, has also landed endorsements for his Senate run from Sen. Carl Levin and Sen. Debbie Stabenow. In April, a group of 54 Democrats in the state House and Senate released a letter that urged Peters to run for the Senate seat.

In an attempt to build early momentum, Peters has been traveling the state in recent weeks, visiting the Detroit area, Flint, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Cheboygan and Alpena. Along the way he has stressed campaign themes that focus on support for the middle class and small businesses.

The former financial investment adviser has also been busy fundraising. Earlier this month he revealed that he has raised more than $1 million since he announced his candidacy in May and he already has compiled $1.8 million in cash on hand. Land has not released any financial figures.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee criticized Peters this morning, claiming that he plans to travel to San Francisco this week to give a series of fundraising pitches to top attorneys at the American Association for Justice Convention.

In a press release, the congressman said he was particularly pleased to receive strong backing from officials in Macomb County.

“Macomb plays a vital role in building a strong economic future for Michigan, from auto manufacturing to its emerging renewable energy industry sector and defense corridor,” he said. “I am excited about helping to build Macomb’s vibrant next chapter and making Michigan’s middle class stronger than ever.”